WO2015159285A1 - An ultrasound cleaning method with suspended nanoparticles - Google Patents

An ultrasound cleaning method with suspended nanoparticles Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015159285A1
WO2015159285A1 PCT/IL2015/050396 IL2015050396W WO2015159285A1 WO 2015159285 A1 WO2015159285 A1 WO 2015159285A1 IL 2015050396 W IL2015050396 W IL 2015050396W WO 2015159285 A1 WO2015159285 A1 WO 2015159285A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
nanoparticles
bath
plant part
seeds
contaminants
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IL2015/050396
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Shlomo Rotter
Original Assignee
Ever Clean And Clear Technologies Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ever Clean And Clear Technologies Ltd filed Critical Ever Clean And Clear Technologies Ltd
Priority to EP15723569.8A priority Critical patent/EP3131687A1/en
Priority to CN201580019601.XA priority patent/CN106659206B/zh
Priority to US15/304,381 priority patent/US10080370B2/en
Priority to AU2015248440A priority patent/AU2015248440C1/en
Priority to IL248172A priority patent/IL248172B2/en
Priority to JP2016563118A priority patent/JP6595501B2/ja
Publication of WO2015159285A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015159285A1/en
Priority to US16/105,055 priority patent/US10881116B2/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23B—PRESERVING, e.g. BY CANNING, MEAT, FISH, EGGS, FRUIT, VEGETABLES, EDIBLE SEEDS; CHEMICAL RIPENING OF FRUIT OR VEGETABLES; THE PRESERVED, RIPENED, OR CANNED PRODUCTS
    • A23B7/00—Preservation or chemical ripening of fruit or vegetables
    • A23B7/015—Preserving by irradiation or electric treatment without heating effect
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
    • A23L3/00—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs
    • A23L3/26—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by irradiation without heating
    • A23L3/30—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by irradiation without heating by treatment with ultrasonic waves
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23N—MACHINES OR APPARATUS FOR TREATING HARVESTED FRUIT, VEGETABLES OR FLOWER BULBS IN BULK, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; PEELING VEGETABLES OR FRUIT IN BULK; APPARATUS FOR PREPARING ANIMAL FEEDING- STUFFS
    • A23N12/00—Machines for cleaning, blanching, drying or roasting fruits or vegetables, e.g. coffee, cocoa, nuts
    • A23N12/02—Machines for cleaning, blanching, drying or roasting fruits or vegetables, e.g. coffee, cocoa, nuts for washing or blanching
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B3/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use or presence of liquid or steam
    • B08B3/04—Cleaning involving contact with liquid
    • B08B3/10—Cleaning involving contact with liquid with additional treatment of the liquid or of the object being cleaned, e.g. by heat, by electricity or by vibration
    • B08B3/12—Cleaning involving contact with liquid with additional treatment of the liquid or of the object being cleaned, e.g. by heat, by electricity or by vibration by sonic or ultrasonic vibrations
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23V—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO FOODS, FOODSTUFFS OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND LACTIC OR PROPIONIC ACID BACTERIA USED IN FOODSTUFFS OR FOOD PREPARATION
    • A23V2002/00—Food compositions, function of food ingredients or processes for food or foodstuffs

Definitions

  • the present invention concerns the use of ultrasound techniques for treatment of objects and in particular ultrasound based methods for removing contaminants from various objects and products.
  • Ultrasonic systems are used for various purposes. For example, Bart Jan C.J. describe the utilization of ultrasonic systems for cleaning surgical instruments, by the effect of the implosion of bubbles created during sonication [Jan C.J. Bart, Additives in Polymers: Industrial Analysis and Applications, Wiley 2005, pg. 76].
  • WO06/001293 describes an ultrasonic cleaning method and device for sterilizing medical appliances and for washing hands in the purpose of disinfection in a sterilizing fluid.
  • the ultrasonic cleaning device is structured to perform discharged ozone sterilization and silver electrolytic sterilization by silver ions on the object to be sterilized in the sterilizing fluid.
  • US2003115794 describes a method for treating seeds with a solution containing at least one agent selected from the group consisting of a cationic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, a biguanide compound, an iodine compound, and an alcoholic compound, with the aim of improving the ultrasonic cleaning effect of seeds infected with plant pathogens and acceleration of germination rate of the seeds.
  • the present disclosure is based on the finding that when operating commercially available ultrasonic baths having in the liquid medium nano-sized particles, the cleaning effect obtained by the ultrasonic is unexpectedly better as compared to that obtained when operated without the particles. This was found to be effective on various different objects, of various characteristics.
  • the present disclosure provides, in accordance with its broadest aspect, method for reducing level of contaminants from an object, the method comprises introducing said object into an ultrasonic (US) bath carrying an aqueous medium holding suspended therein insoluble nanoparticles and activating said bath to apply US waves onto said object while the plant part is at least partially submerged within said aqueous medium.
  • US ultrasonic
  • a method for reducing level of contaminants from a plant part comprises introducing said plant part into an ultrasonic (US) bath carrying an aqueous medium holding suspended therein insoluble nanoparticles and activating said bath to apply US waves onto said plant part while the plant part is at least partially submerged within said aqueous medium.
  • US ultrasonic
  • an object in particular, a plant part, comprising a maximum residue level (MRL) of less than 20% from the MRL acceptable for the harvested crop under Regulation 396/2005, the harvested crop being obtained by the method described above.
  • MRL maximum residue level
  • Figures 1A-1B is an image of cherry tomato samples after treatment in an ultrasonic bath, with (Figure 1A) and without ( Figure IB) the nano-size diamond powder present in the bath's aqueous medium, both for the same duration of action.
  • Figures 2A-2B are images of stainless steel candle holders after treatment in an ultrasonic bath with ( Figure 2A) and without ( Figure 2B) nano-size alumina particles present in the bath's aqueous medium.
  • Figures 3A-3B are images of aluminum foil samples after treatment in an ultrasonic bath, with ( Figure 3A) and without ( Figure 3B) nano-size diamond powder present in the bath's aqueous medium.
  • Figures 4A-4B are images of aluminum foil samples after treatment in an ultrasonic bath, without addition of nano-sized alumina particles (Figure 4A) and with ( Figure 4B) the nano-sized alumina particles.
  • the present disclosure aims at "cleaning" objects, without causing damage, disintegration or accelerated deterioration of the object per se, as compared the condition of the object without applying said method.
  • cleaning is to be understood as any action of removing undesired substance from at least the surface of the object.
  • the cleaning includes, without being limited thereto, disinfecting, polishing, washing off, etc.
  • the method disclosed herein can also result in an effect of reducing roughness or smoothing at least the surface of the object being treated.
  • the undesired contaminants may be adhered, embedded or otherwise associated with the object.
  • the general principle of the present disclosure is the combination of US waves with nanoparticles to achieve the "cleaning" effect.
  • the present disclosure is based on the finding that applying on an object the effect of the cavitation bubbles, in the presence of insoluble hard nanoparticles, had a better effect on cleaning the surface of the object compared to treatment of the same object by ultrasound alone, or by immersing the object in a disinfecting solution.
  • the micro-jets of liquid carry the nanoparticles as hard projectiles that blast the surface with "bullets” compared to pure liquid in the ultrasound cleaning without nanoparticles.
  • This treatment of the object is carried out by means of fluid phase nano-blasting action that removes material more efficiently than pure liquid ultrasound cleaning, or by immersing the object in a treating solution.
  • the present disclosure provides, in its broadest aspect, a method for reducing level of contaminants from an object, the method comprises introducing said object into an ultrasonic (US) bath carrying an aqueous medium holding suspended therein insoluble nanoparticles and activating said bath to cause the formation of US waves within the bath while the object is at least partially submerged within said aqueous medium.
  • US waves cause the movement of the nanoparticles in the bath which in turn appear to act as "scrubbers".
  • the "object” is any solid object that does not disintegrate in a liquid medium and/or under ultrasonic vibration.
  • the object may be of any matter.
  • the object is organic in essence. In some examples, the organic object is a plant part.
  • the "contaminanf can be any one or combination of dirt, grease, oil, pigments, rust, algae, pathogen, fungus, bacteria, virus, lime scale, chemical compounds (e.g. biocides), flux agents, fingerprints, soot wax, mold release agents, soil, or any other matter associated or adhered to the object and the removal of which is desired.
  • chemical compounds e.g. biocides
  • the object can be defined as a solid object having a Young modulus within a defined range.
  • the young modulus defines an object's tendency to be deformed elastically (i.e. not permanently) when the force is applied to it.
  • An object whose Young's modulus is very high e.g. above 10 6 psi
  • an object whose young's modulus is low e.g. below 10 5 psi
  • the object is inorganic in essence.
  • the inorganic object comprises a metal or a metal alloy.
  • metals such as gold, aluminum and silver, are known to have a Young's modulus of 10.8xl0 6 psi, 10.0xl0 6 psi and 10.5xl0 6 psi, respectively. Some metals are known to have an even higher Young's modulus of 59.5xl0 6 psi, such as tungsten.
  • the Young's modulus is approximately similar to that of rubber, namely, 1450psi to 14,500psi.
  • plant parf denotes any organic plant part.
  • the plant part may be fresh (i.e. immediately after picking or harvesting) or preserved (i.e. some time after picking or harvesting and being maintained under suitable storage conditions).
  • the plant part may be a whole plant including roots, stem, leaves etc., extracted from the soil or other medium required for its development. In some embodiments, the plant part is a part of the plant per se.
  • the plant part includes at least the harvested crop, e.g. fruit, fruit body (sporocarp) or vegetable.
  • harvested crop e.g. fruit, fruit body (sporocarp) or vegetable.
  • the plant part includes at least the leaves.
  • the plant part includes at least the seeds.
  • the plant may be of any kind from which a part thereof may be of interest, e.g. as a commercial commodity, for industry (e.g. cosmetics, pharmaceutical), for research, etc.
  • the plant is any member of the group consisting of spinach seeds, corn salad seeds, carrot, watermelon, melon, tomato, lettuce, cabbage, onion, cucumber, sweet pepper, hot pepper, squash, eggplant, pumpkin, radish, celeriac, fennel, basil, chive, coriander, dill, parsley, sugar Beet and cannabis.
  • the plant is spinach
  • the plant part is the spinach leaves and/or spinach seeds.
  • the plant is corn
  • the plant part is the corn seeds.
  • the plant is carrot
  • the plant part is the carrot root and/or carrot seeds.
  • the plant is watermelon
  • the plant part is the watermelon fruit and/or watermelon seeds.
  • the plant is melon
  • the plant part is the melon fruit and/or melon seeds.
  • the plant is tomato
  • the plant part is the tomato vegetable and/or tomato seeds.
  • the plant is lettuce
  • the plant part is the lettuce's leaf vegetable and/or lettuce seeds.
  • the plant is cabbage
  • the plant part is the leaf fruit thereof and/or cabbage seeds.
  • the plant is onion
  • the plant part is the onion bulb.
  • the plant is cucumber
  • the plant part is the cucumber vegetable and/or cucumber seeds.
  • the plant is sweet pepper
  • the plant part is the sweet pepper vegetable and/or its seeds.
  • the plant is hot pepper
  • the plant part is the hot pepper vegetable and/or its seeds.
  • the plant is squash
  • the plant part is the squash vegetable and/or squash seeds.
  • the plant is eggplant, and the plant part is the eggplant vegetable and/or eggplant seeds.
  • the plant is pumpkin, and the plant part is the pumpkin fruit and/or pumpkin seeds.
  • the plant is radish
  • the plant part is the radish root vegetable and/or radish leaves.
  • the plant is celeriac
  • the plant part is the root vegetable and/or celery leaves.
  • the plant is fennel
  • the plant part is the bulb and/or the leaves.
  • the plant is basil
  • the plant part is the basil leaves and/or its seeds.
  • the plant is chive
  • the plant part is the chive leaves and/or its seeds.
  • the plant is coriander
  • the plant part is the coriander leaves and/or its seeds.
  • the plant is dill
  • the plant part is the dill leaves and/or its seeds.
  • the plant is parsley
  • the plant part is the parsley leaves and/or its seeds.
  • the plant is sugar beet
  • the plant part is the root and/or its leaves and/or sugar beet seeds.
  • the plant is cannabis
  • the plant part is the cannabis leaves and/or cannabis seeds.
  • the plant part is the harvested crop.
  • the harvested crop may be any part of the plant that is of commercial and/or industrial value, that is consumable by a leaving being (human as well as animal) etc.
  • the plant may be any one of apple, banana, grape, strawberry, corn, rice, nut, pear, berry, plum, apricot, olive, cherry, peach, pineapple, kiwi, pomegranate, tomato, plum, eggplant.
  • the plant is selected from the Citrus fruit family, such as, without being limited thereto, lemon, lime, grapefruit, tangerine, mandarin, pomelo and orange.
  • the plant may be any one of cucumber, squash, zucchini, herbs, rhubarb, carrot, radish, bean, pepper and pea.
  • the plant part comprises the plant's leaves.
  • the plant part includes the plant seeds.
  • the plant part includes different parts of the plant, e.g. the bulb with the leaves attached thereto.
  • the object e.g. the plant part
  • the object is introduced into the ultrasonic (US) bath for the purpose of its cleaning from contaminations.
  • US ultrasonic
  • cleaning in the context of the present invention it is to be understood as any level of removing contaminants from at least the surface of the object, but not only from the surface thereof.
  • the contaminants may vary as well as the manner of performing the method disclosed herein.
  • the method comprises activating the US bath for a time sufficient to reduce level of contaminants from the object as compared to the level thereof before the application of the US waves on the object.
  • the level of contaminants may be determined by any method known in the art and dependents on the expected contaminant on the object to be treated, as further discussed below.
  • the method disclosed herein permits to reduce the level of contaminants by at least 50% as compared to the level thereof before said application of the US waves.
  • the level of contaminants is reduced by at least 60%, at times, by at least 70%, or even, at times, by at least 80%, or 90% or even 95% or 99% as compared to the level of the same contaminant(s) before performing US bath treatment.
  • the level of contaminants is determined as compared to maximum residual level (MRL) standards as further discussed below.
  • MLR maximum residual level
  • the level of contaminants is determined by the level of roughness of the object's surface (irregularities in the texture, with the assumption that the contaminants are adhered to the surface of the object and thus contribute to its surface roughness).
  • Roughness or the change in roughness as a result of performing the method disclosed herein can be determined by surface roughness average (Ra) units.
  • Roughness is typically quantified by the vertical deviations of a real surface from its ideal form. If these deviations are large, the surface is rough; if they are small the surface is smooth.
  • the nano-sized particles are an essential feature of the method disclosed herein. Without the nano-sized particles the cleaning effect of the US bath is either not apparent or is at a much lower extent as compared to that obtained with the particles.
  • the water insoluble nanoparticles are added.
  • the water insoluble nanoparticles are to be understood as discrete nanoscopic particles, having at least one dimension in the nanometer scale and that they do not dissolve in water.
  • the nanoparticles are chemically inert particles.
  • a "chemically inert" particle is one that does not react or participate in a chemical reaction and its only function or effect is with the cleaning of the object within the bath, i.e. the removal of the contaminants from the object.
  • the particles, being nano-sized have an average diameter within the range of 1 nm to 1 ,000 nm. In some examples, the particles have an average diameter in the range of 2 nm to 500 nm. In some examples, the particles have an average diameter in the range of 10 nm to 100 nm. In some examples, the particles have an average diameter in the range of 30 nm to 80 nm. In some examples, the particles have an average range of a bout 50nm ⁇ 10nm.
  • the water insoluble particles are of diamond powder.
  • the water insoluble particles are metal oxide nanoparticles.
  • Non-limiting examples of metal oxide nanoparticles include ant member selected from the group consisting of aluminum oxide nanoparticles, zirconium oxide nanoparticles, titanium oxide nanoparticles, cerium oxide nanoparticles and mixtures thereof.
  • the water insoluble particles are transition metal carbide nanoparticles.
  • a transition metal carbide is any member elected from the group consisting of silicon carbide, titanium carbide, calcium carbide, tungsten carbide and mixtures thereof.
  • the water insoluble particles are silicon oxide nanoparticles.
  • the water insoluble particles are aluminum oxide nanoparticles.
  • the water insoluble particles are metal nitride nanoparticles.
  • Non-limiting examples are selected from the group consisting of gallium nitride, aluminum nitride, indium nitride and mixtures thereof.
  • the water insoluble particles are any mixture of the above.
  • the nanoparticles comprises diamond powder.
  • the nanoparticles can be characterized their hardness (i.e. the property of a material that enables it to resist plastic deformation (usually by penetration) and/or its resistance to bending, scratching, abrasion or cutting).
  • the nanoparticles are characterized by hardness in the range of 7 to 11 according to Mohs scale (typically used in mineralogy).
  • the particles are characterized by hardness in the range of 700 to 1100 according to Vickers scale.
  • the method disclosed herein can use different amounts (concentrations) of the nanoparticles.
  • the nanoparticles in the US bath are at a concentration of between 0.0001% w/v to 1.0% w/v.
  • the nanoparticles in the US bath are at a concentration of between 0.0001% w/v to 0.1% w/v.
  • the nanoparticles in the US bath are at a concentration of between 0.001% w/v to 0.05% w/v.
  • the nanoparticles in the US bath are at a concentration of at least 0.0001% w/v, at times, 0.001% w/v, at times, 0.005% w/v, at times, 0.01% w/v, and further at times, 0.1% w/v. In some examples, the nanoparticles in the US bath are at a concentration of at most 1% w/v, at times, at most 0.5% w/v, at times, at most 0.1% w/v; at times, at most 0.05% w/v; further at times, at most 0.01% w/v.
  • optimization of particles density/amount may be achieved by determined by the amount of absorption of the ultrasound by the nanoparticles. Without being bound by theory, it is assumed that high density of nanoparticles results in less treatment (cleaning/smoothening etc) efficiency, as some of the treatment power is lost, due to absorption by the solid nanoparticles.
  • the object When placing the object in the chamber of the cleaning bath the object is preferably not allowed to rest on the bottom of the bath during the treatment process, because that prevents cavitation from taking place on the part of the object resting on the bottom of the bath (i.e. not in contact with water). Therefore, when placing the object in the cleaning chamber it is to be understood as providing contact between the aqueous medium and the surface which needs to be treated. In some embodiments, at least 80% of the object's surface is in contact with the medium, at times, at least 90% and further at times, about 100% coverage of the surface with the aqueous medium, i.e. that the object is fully submerged in the medium and hanged within the chamber of the ultrasonic bath that holds the medium.
  • the nanoparticles Due to the manner of operation of the ultrasonic cleaner, upon activation of the ultrasonic bath the nanoparticles are dispersed within the aqueous medium.
  • the combined action of the cavitation bubbles and the high energy movement of the nanoparticles within the medium lead to the "cleaning" or “smoothening" of the object's surface.
  • the aqueous medium may be any medium conventionally used in ultrasonic cleaning techniques.
  • the aqueous medium is water or water based medium.
  • the water based medium may comprise any component that may assist in the cleaning action, this includes, without being limited thereto, detergents, wetting agents (surfactants, such as laundry detergent) and other components, and have an influence on the cleaning process.
  • detergents such as laundry detergent
  • wetting agents surfactants, such as laundry detergent
  • the aqueous medium may, in some embodiments, comprise one or more disinfecting agents.
  • the disinfecting agent may be any one known in the art, such as, without being limited thereto, chloride based agents and Disodium Phosphate Anhydrous (DSP). These disinfecting agents may be used to disinfect (eradicate) any microorganism developed on the surface of the object.
  • DSP Disodium Phosphate Anhydrous
  • the disinfecting agent is an oxidizing agent.
  • Oxidizing agents are known in the art and without being limited thereto, may include silver nanoparticles that release silver atoms that initiate oxidants.
  • the US bath is operated under conditions where the object is at least partially submerged in the liquid medium within the bath.
  • the object does not need to be in its entirety submerged in the liquid of the bath.
  • at least the part that requires the cleaning effect is submerged during at least part of the operation of the US waves. This can be achieved by allowing the object to roll or otherwise turn over within the bath such that during the operation of the US bath the entire surface of the object is exposed to the US waves and the nanoparticles.
  • the US bath is activated either before introducing the object into the bath or after said introducing.
  • the bath is activated at a frequency range of between 20kHz to 1,500kHz. In some examples, the activating of the ultrasonic bath is at a frequency range of between 20kHz to 150kHz, at times, between 40kHz to 90kHz.
  • the bath is activated at a frequency of at least 10kHz, at times, at a frequency of at least 20kHz, at times, of at least 30kHz, at times, of at least 40kHz.
  • the bath is activated at a frequency of at most 1,500kHz, at times, at a frequency of at most 1,000kHz, at times, at most, 900kHz, at times, at most, 800kHz at times, at most, 700kHz at times, at most, 600kHz at times, at most, 500kHz at times, at most, 400kHz at times, at most, 300kHz, at times, at most, 200kHz, at times, at most, 150kHz, at times, at most, 100kHz.
  • the bath is activated at an acoustic powder density in the range of 6 W/liter to 1,500 W/liter. In some examples, the bath is activated at an acoustic powder density in the range of 15 W/liter to 150 W/liter. Yet, at times, the bath is activated at an acoustic powder density in the range of 4 W/liter to 65 W/liter, or at times, in the range of 10 Watt /liter to 120 Watt/liter.
  • the US can be operated for any length of time determined to be effective for removing contaminants from a particular object without causing significant damage to the object (i.e. damage that will cause the object to be of no or less value). This can be determined by preceding standardization tests for each object/contaminant or a group of objects and/or contaminants.
  • treatment in accordance with the method disclosed herein requires operation of the US bath with the nano-sized particles for a time period from seconds to at least 10 minutes.
  • the US is activated, i.e. the US waves are applied (with the particles) onto the object for a time period of at least 10 seconds, at times, 30 seconds, at times, 1 minute, at times, for at least 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or even 60 minutes or any time period in between 1 to 60 minutes.
  • the operating time of the ultrasonic bath is between 30sec to 10 min, at times, between 20 sec to 5 min, or between lsec to lOmin.
  • the US waves are applied for a time period of no more than 120 minutes, at times, no more than 60 minutes, at times, no more than 30 minutes, at times, no more than 20 minutes, at times, no more than 10 minutes.
  • the temperature of the bath during its operation may vary, and will depend inter alia on the type of the object, e.g. whether or not the temperature may affect its quality post treatment, the type of contaminants, the level of contamination before treatment, the amount of nanoparticles, the type of nanoparticles, and the operational parameters of the bath (e.g. frequency, acoustic power density etc).
  • the temperature of the aqueous medium in the bath is controlled to be maintained to be above 1°C, at times, above 10°C, at times, above 20°C, at times, above 30°C, and yet at times, above 40°C. In some examples, the temperature of the aqueous medium in the bath is controlled to be maintained below 60°C, at times, below 50°C, yet at times, below 40°C, or even below 30°C.
  • the temperature of the aqueous bath is essentially equal to the room temperature. This can be defined as any temperature within the range of 20°C ⁇ 5°C.
  • the temperature of the aqueous medium in the bath is controlled to be in the range of 1 °C and 60°C.
  • the ultrasonic bath may be of any size and shape.
  • the ultrasonic bath is selected to carry a volume of aqueous medium in the range of 10L to 15,000L.
  • the method of the invention may be suitable for both small as well as large scale treatment of objects
  • the quality or performance of the method may be determined using maximum residual level (MRL) of the contaminants.
  • MLR maximum residual level
  • the effectiveness of the method disclosed herein on plant parts and in particular crops can be defined by the maximal residual level (maximal residue limit, MRL) of contaminants and in particular pesticides on the skin of the plant part after the treatment.
  • MRL maximal residual level
  • the method provides plant part having a maximum residue level (MRL) of contaminants of less than 30% from the MRL acceptable for said plant part under Regulation 396/2005. At times, the method provides plant part having a maximum residue level (MRL) of contaminants of less than 20% from the MRL acceptable for said plant part under Regulation 396/2005. Further, at times, the method provides plant part having a maximum residue level (MRL) of contaminants of less than 10% from the MRL acceptable for said plant part under Regulation 396/2005.
  • MRL maximum residue level
  • the contaminant is a pathogen.
  • the pathogen can be any agent that would cause damage to the object.
  • the pathogen is or comprises fungi.
  • the pathogen is or comprises a virus.
  • the pathogen is or comprises bacteria.
  • the contaminant comprises at least one plant pathogen.
  • the plant part comprises seeds and the pathogen is a seed pathogen.
  • the pathogen is one associated with the fruit or vegetable and/or with the leaves (herb) of the plant.
  • the contaminant can comprise in addition to the pathogen per se, or alternately at least one biocide, such as those used in agriculture.
  • the biocide can be any one or combination of insecticide, pesticides and/or nematocides.
  • the ultrasound method disclosed herein was found effective in the removal of contaminants that contain hazardous matter including those containing CI, F, P, S.
  • hazardous pesticides include, without being limited thereto, dichlorvos, diazinon, chlorpyrifos, boscalid, cyprodinil, fludioxnonil, (together known as switch), methoxyfenozide, prochloraz and (sportex) lambda-cyhalothrin.
  • the contaminant may be at the surface of the plant part, but also, at times, deeper in the plant part, e.g. in sub-surfaces.
  • the cleaning effect of the method disclosed herein is used to at least clean plants and plant parts from surface contaminants.
  • the treatment is for removing chemical and biological residual substances, e.g. pesticidal material deposited on the skin of the plant part, such as the skin of a fruit or vegetable.
  • the object may be other than a plant part.
  • the object is an inorganic object.
  • the object is composed of or at least comprises a metal or metal alloy outer surface.
  • the metal is selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gold, platinum, rhodium, silver and any combinations of same.
  • the metal alloy is selected from the group consisting of stainless steel and a metal matrix composite.
  • the object is composed of or comprises a semiconductor.
  • the semiconductor is or comprises a material selected from the group consisting of silicon, germanium and gallium.
  • the metal or metal alloys may be selected from the group consisting of aluminum, any type of precious metals and alloys thereof, stainless steel, cobalt-based alloys nickel-based alloys, chromium-based alloys, molybdenum-based alloys, tantalum-based alloys, copper-based alloys, titanium-based alloys, magnesium-based alloys, zirconium-based alloys, tungsten-based alloys or combinations thereof.
  • the precious metals may be selected from the group consisting of gold, platinum, rhodium, silver, iridium and alloys thereof.
  • the method is applied to at least remove solid matter/contaminants from the surface of the object.
  • Performing the method disclosed herein provides a polish effect on the surface on said object.
  • the object is of an inorganic material, such as a metal, metal alloy or semiconductor
  • the method shines or provides a shining effect onto the surface of the object. It was surprisingly found that operating the ultrasonic bath with the nanoparticles was effective in removing solid matter which could not have been removed or was removed to a lower extent (less efficiently) in the absence of the nanoparticles. In a non-limiting example described herein, effective treatment was exhibited on the surface of stainless steel candle holder, which led to a polishing effect on the surface of the candle holder.
  • Example 1 Treatment of contaminated seeds with ultrasound bath containing nano- sized alumina powder of 50nm size particles
  • Two batches of each source of the contaminated seeds were treated (namely, two batches of spinach seeds and two batches of corn salad seeds).
  • the first batch of each seeds source was treated in fresh water and the second batch was treated in an ultrasound water bath of 100 liter, using a machine by Ultra Sonic Power Corporation of USA containing nano-sized alumina powder (diameter 50nm at a concentration of 0.01 w/v).
  • the baths were operated at two different temperatures according to Table 1 below.
  • a first batch of the infected seeds was placed in an ultrasound treating bath 100 liter bath volume, made by UPC of USA comprising water and nano-sized alumina powder (diameter 50nm at a concentration of about 0.01 w/v).
  • a second batch of the infected spinach seeds was soaked in a regular hot water bath (no ultrasound applied). The temperature of both baths was 50°C.
  • both the treatment of the batch of seeds in the ultrasound bath containing the nano-sized powder and the treatment of the batch of seeds in the regular hot water bath resulted in eradication of the Verticillium spp.
  • a first batch of the infected seeds was placed in a cold ultrasound treating bath of 100 liter bath volume, comprising water and nano-sized alumina powder (diameter 50nm at a concentration of about 0.01 %w/v.
  • a second batch of the infected spinach seeds was soaked in a regular cold water bath (no ultrasound applied) for comparison. The temperature of both baths was 20°C.
  • the Verticillium spp presence decreased from 7.5% infection presence in the as is seeds to 2% (by counting colonies forming units in a petri dish).
  • the fungal spores eradicated and a significant part of the seed borne pathogens at the outer skin undulated seeds as well.
  • the Verticillium spp presence increased from 7.5% to 21% by counting colonies forming units in a petri dish, resulting from the spreading of the Verticillium spp in the aqueous environment.
  • Corn salad seeds were infected with target pathogen Phoma fungus. Emerging seedlings show symptoms (black leaf spots, black stem and root) and finally collapse, also developing fruiting structures (pycnidiae) which are typical for Phoma can be observed on the seeds.
  • the environment has been, according to standardized ISTA rules
  • Example 2 Treatment of contaminated seeds with ultrasound bath without nano-sized alumina powder of 50nm size particles
  • Example 1 To further determine effectiveness of the method disclosed herein on the removal of contaminants from seeds, the contaminated seeds described in Example 1 are tested in an ultrasound treating bath with nanoparticles according to the method described herein, and for comparison, in a pristine ultrasound bath without addition of nanoparticles. The germination rate and pathogen reduction located on the outer skin of the seeds is tested after treatment of the seeds in both baths.
  • a first batch of the seeds source of Example 1 is treated in an ultrasound water bath and a second batch is treated in an ultrasound water bath containing nano-sized alumina powder diameter 50nm at a concentration of 0.01 %w/v.
  • the baths are operated at two different temperatures according to Table 2 below.
  • the seed lots are dried to a suitable level required for healthy storage of the seeds.
  • the pathogen presence decreases, as a result of the eradication of the fungal spores and a significant part of the seed borne pathogens at the outer skin of the undulated seeds as well.
  • the treating of the second bath of seeds in the aqueous ultrasound bath without the addition of nanoparticles is not as effective for reducing the pathogen presence from the seeds and for accelerating the germination rate.
  • Example 3 Treatment of tomato with ultrasound bath containing nano-sized diamond powder
  • the fluorescence material is made out of flakes of about 5 ⁇ in size that are applied to the surface by dipping in an aqueous solution.
  • Each tomato fruit was then placed in an ultrasound cleaner (9 liter bath volume, MRC make Israel), the first in a fresh-water bath, and the second in a water bath containing pure nano-sized diamond powder (diameter 50nm) at a concentration of about 0.004 w/v.
  • the ultrasonic cleaners were operated using the following parameters:
  • the tomato fruit were observed using a blue LED light.
  • the tomato in the bath containing the nano-sized diamond powder lost the yellowish fluorescent coating which means the removal of the coating.
  • the treatment continues until the other tomato lost its yellowish fluorescent coating, after an additional 6.5 minutes, i.e. after 12.5 minutes.
  • Example 4 Treatment of stainless steel candle holders with ultrasound bath containing nano-sized alumina powder
  • the ultrasonic cleaners were operated using the following parameters:
  • Sheets of aluminum foil were treated in ultrasonic cleaners, one with water only and the other with nano-diamond powder (50nm) at a concentration of 0.004 w/v.
  • the ultrasonic cleaners were operated as described in Example 3.
  • Figure 3 The results of treatment with nanoparticles and without nanoparticles are shown in Figure 3, (column A and B, respectively).
  • Figure 3A shows that the treatment of the foils in the nanoparticles-treated experiment was more pronounced as compared to the treatment without the nanoparticles as shown in Figure 3B.
  • the pieces of aluminum foil samples were etched at the edges of the samples more prominently for the samples of nanoparticles-treated solution.
  • Example 6 Treatment of aluminum foil with ultrasound bath containing nano-sized particles powder
  • Figure 4B shows that the amount of perforations of the aluminum foil treated in the nanoparticles experiment is greater as compared to the treatment without the nanoparticles (Figure 4A), while the size of the perforations exhibited in Figure 4B is much smaller than the perforations exhibited in Figure 4A.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Nutrition Science (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Pretreatment Of Seeds And Plants (AREA)
  • Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)
  • Physical Or Chemical Processes And Apparatus (AREA)
  • Preparation Of Fruits And Vegetables (AREA)
  • Apparatuses For Bulk Treatment Of Fruits And Vegetables And Apparatuses For Preparing Feeds (AREA)
  • Surgical Instruments (AREA)
  • Medicines Containing Antibodies Or Antigens For Use As Internal Diagnostic Agents (AREA)
PCT/IL2015/050396 2014-04-14 2015-04-13 An ultrasound cleaning method with suspended nanoparticles WO2015159285A1 (en)

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EP15723569.8A EP3131687A1 (en) 2014-04-14 2015-04-13 An ultrasound cleaning method with suspended nanoparticles
CN201580019601.XA CN106659206B (zh) 2014-04-14 2015-04-13 利用悬浮的纳米颗粒的超声清洁方法
US15/304,381 US10080370B2 (en) 2014-04-14 2015-04-13 Ultrasound cleaning method with suspended nanoparticles
AU2015248440A AU2015248440C1 (en) 2014-04-14 2015-04-13 An ultrasound cleaning method with suspended nanoparticles
IL248172A IL248172B2 (en) 2014-04-14 2015-04-13 A method based on sound waves that involves the use of a particle suspension
JP2016563118A JP6595501B2 (ja) 2014-04-14 2015-04-13 懸濁ナノ粒子を用いた超音波洗浄方法
US16/105,055 US10881116B2 (en) 2014-04-14 2018-08-20 Ultrasound cleaning method with suspended nanoparticles

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IL248172B2 (en) * 2014-04-14 2023-04-01 Ever Clean And Clear Tech Ltd A method based on sound waves that involves the use of a particle suspension
WO2016091787A1 (en) * 2014-12-08 2016-06-16 Novartis Ag Method and device for cleaning deposited material from a molding surface of a mold for forming ophthalmic lenses
CN115568384A (zh) * 2022-10-20 2023-01-06 江南大学 氧化铈纳米材料在促进番茄产量和品质基础上增强采后保鲜的应用

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AU2015248440C1 (en) 2019-11-07
JP2017514469A (ja) 2017-06-08
CN106659206B (zh) 2021-11-26
US10881116B2 (en) 2021-01-05
IL248172A0 (en) 2016-11-30
US20190000098A1 (en) 2019-01-03
JP6595501B2 (ja) 2019-10-23
IL248172B2 (en) 2023-04-01
US10080370B2 (en) 2018-09-25
CN106659206A (zh) 2017-05-10
US20170064974A1 (en) 2017-03-09

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